I have been waiting awhile before I starting this posting on my restoration. A little bit of history of this happening... I was raised here in the Houston area. After getting out of the Air Force headed for Colorado. Loved it and swore would never come back to Houston.. After 10 years there (late 80's), bottom fell out and had to return to the Houston area for work... For years rented and drove Jeeps in the mountains. I always had 4 wheel drive vehicles... About 4 years ago, remarried and wife wanted to ride an ATV in the mountains. So ended up buying two Bombardier Outlanders. We love riding them in the mountains and everywhere we can... Last year we got rid of our Airstream and decided to buy a Toy Hauler to camp with and haul the ATV's in the garage. This option worked out great. Last fall coming back from our September vacation which we go to Colorado at least once, usually couple times a year, I told the wife we needed a short wheel base vehicle to carry in the Toy Hauler when we can't ride our ATVs. We go on lots of weekend trips from 100-300 miles from home couple times a month. Problem is we can't always ride our ATV's. Also, my tow vehicle is a 08 F-550 truck. It is not that friendly when sight seeing and parking in the tight city parking lots. So, I decided to buy an older CJ5 (just will fit in the 12' garage in TH) and restore. That is where this all gets started.

I started searching for a CJ5 last fall around the Houston area. I ended up buying an 81 CJ5. Pretty much standard I6, PS, AMC20 rear, Dana 30 front and a loud yellow paint job. It had a big lift and huge tires for offroad. Since right now it will be mostly onroad and little offroad, tires and lift have to go. Since it will be seeing the mountains at one time or another, I did not want to have to hassle with jets in carb, so elected to go fuel injection. After looking, realized would not cost that much more to drop in a SBF with EFI. I sold the I6 to a buddy in College Station and bought a 88 5.0 Mustang for the donor vehicle. After looking at rebuild decided to go with a 331 stroker kit.

I totally tore down Jeep to the frame and it has been blasted and I primed. Frame will be painted in the next couple of days, depending on weather. I also came across a good deal on Dana 44 for the rear axle. Both front and rear are ready for paint after going through. I have gone through the T-176 and D-300 and painted ready to install. That is where it is today. My plans are to rewire completely since I am using a lot of the Mustang stuff. Since down here in Houston area, Jeep will have A/C for sure. I am trying to use the heater/A/C from the Mustang. Tilt/Cruise column, brake/clutch setup, Power Brake booster/brakes will also make the trip. Dash is being replaced with all Autometer instruments, A/C ducts, switches, etc. New dash from my sheet metal guy.... LED lights on the rear with H4 headlights on front. Also considering the guy out in California on the top and solid doors. Kind of pricey but would be good for our area.... New paint and seats to finish up...

I have about 20 pictures so far and will post and update as progress continues. I am shooting for a mid summer completion...

Not for sure if I can post pictures from here without referencing a website location. If I can't will have to post on my website....

Well, I appreciate the help and will look into the Photobucket deal. I probably also need to keep my site updated. Anyone can check out my other toys, 03 Cobra (son in law and son has one also), F-550 Custom Bed build, Toy Hauler, Model A, or ATV section... They can be reached from here...

When I bought the Jeep, it looked good from a distance (like in the pics), but up close, lots of flaws.. Now comparing to what you guys drag out the pasture, it is definitely a step up... I can relate to the pasture finds to my Model A project. I took two Model A's out of Kansas pasture and made this one.. I salvaged parts from both bodies in the build. Ofcourse there are stories with all of these projects... Back to the Jeep...

Since I am going fuel injection, decided to build a new tank... Everything rust down here in the south so only way to fight it is to build in SS. It is 2" deeper and 2" wider (front to back). Since it is almost 1/8" thick, decided to remove the sheet metal frame from existing setup. If you build the tank to the frame dimensions instead of the original tank, it can be little larger... I also made it to be removed easily if needs any service. Using 190 lph Walbro pump and Autometer float. The tank also has been moved to the center of the vehicle so I can bring out the exhaust on both sides... It is also pushed up in the frame as far as I can get to maximize ground clearance.

As I get things complete will update with information. Anyone with questions can email me at calvin.brown@ccb-design.com or post here on the site...

I am trying to paint the frame right now but weather is not cooperating at this time with lots of wind here... So, the Ford 331 stroker motor is being assembled right now.. Completed the short block assembly last night. Motor should be complete this weekend and ready to install in the frame once painted....